Moe's Southwest Grill's Executive Chef Earns Top Honors From the United Fresh Produce Association

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - Apr 12, 2011) - Moe's Southwest Grill, the fun, engaging and fast-casual restaurant, is proud to announce that Executive Chef Dan Barash will be honored by the United Fresh Produce Association in the Quick Service Restaurants category. Barash is recognized for his creative and influential use of fresh produce which is showcased in Moe's menu and heralded for its fresh, all natural, healthy choices for everyone's preferences -- from meat lovers and vegetarians to those who prefer low-calorie or gluten-free options.

"We couldn't be more proud of Chef Dan for winning this prestigious award," said Paul Damico, president of Moe's Southwest Grill. "Moe's takes great pride in its food mission dedicated to serving the highest quality ingredients and freshest produce, and Chef Dan has been instrumental in leading this effort."

The six winners from a variety of categories were selected from nearly 120 nominations submitted across North America. A panel of produce and foodservice industry leaders reviewed nominees' incorporation of fresh produce into menus, use of protocols for correct storage and handling of produce, leadership in produce-related community service and special events and recognition by their company and industry peers.

Barash will receive the award at United Fresh 2011, the association's annual convention and expo in New Orleans. He will also participate in a panel session, Lessons from the Front Line - Produce Excellence in Foodservice Award Winners, which will take place and broadcast on UnitedFresh.TV on May 3.

For more information about Barash and Moe's food mission, visit www.Moes.com.

About Moe's Southwest Grill

Moe's Southwest Grill is a fast-casual concept featuring fresh southwest fare in a fun and engaging atmosphere with over 428 locations in 32 states, Canada and abroad. At Moe's, each meal is prepared right before your eyes and is accompanied by free chips and salsa, including the Homewrecker burrito, the Billy Barou nachos, and the Close Talker salad. Founded in 2000, Atlanta-based Moe's Southwest Grill was ranked #1 in category in Entrepreneur's Franchise 500 in 2010 and is a Gold Award winner of the 2008 Consumer's Choice in Chains Awards. For more information, visit www.moes.com.